ZBrushCentral

Technique Question (Noob)

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

New to the forum and sculpting. Quick questions on technique and how people work.

I understand each person works in their own way they are most comfortable but for me being someone new starting out with no habits (bad or good) I’m looking for some direction or guidance.

When it comes to creating details on a model, is it better to grow the detail or chip/cut away at a mesh to get the detail? If that makes sense. An example of this would be leg muscles. Is it better to create a ZSphere mesh that is as thick as the biggest muscle and then cut away at the mesh to refine the details or start with a thin ZSpere mesh and grow or add clay to get the details.

I have a feeling the answer is both but I’d like to see how people more experienced and talented have adapted and work.

I hope what I’m asking makes sense. Thanks.

#2

What you want to do is gradually build up the form working from the most general forms to the more specific as you increase your subdivisions. Keep looking at your proportions as you move around the model-never keep it still for too long. Work all over the model bring it up to the same level(s) as a whole. Don’t get too fixated on one part of the model. Good training could be found from Zack Petroc over at gnomonlology.com. Good luck!

#3

I think I know what you’re asking. If you are creating a leg muscle for e.g. you are best to create the leg (using ZSpheres or imported geometry) to the approximate size you want your final leg to be, then subdivide and use the brushes to add detail. If your leg is the approximate shape when you start you can easily carve or add using the brushes. :smiley: